The round of 32 saw a matchup between 9 seed Wisconsin and 1 seed Baylor. In the first round, both Baylor and Wisconsin won in blowout fashion. Baylor blew out 16 seed Hartford 79-55. Wisconsin shocked many when they blew out 8 seed North Carolina 85-62.
Baylor posted an impressive 23-2 record in the regular season, which earned them a 1 seed. They are led by a trio of double-digit scorers Jared Butler, MaCio Teague, and Davion Mitchell. Teague was the leading scorer in the first round, putting up 22 in the victory over Hartford.
Wisconsin had struggles in the regular season, finishing with an 18-12 record. A trio of double-digit scorers led them; D’Mtirik Trice, Micah Potter, and Brad Davison. Davison, a senior, exploded in the first-round matchup against North Carolina, scoring 29 points and making 5 three-pointers.
First Half
The first half was defined by one thing; turnovers. Wisconsin turned the ball over 9 times in the first while Baylor only turned it over once. The turnover diffractals allowed Baylor to get up more shots and create a deficit for Wisconsin.
Both teams shot the ball well in the first half. Baylor made 53.3% of their shots from the field and 45.5% of their shots from 3. Wisconsin also shot well, making 45.5% on their shots from the field and 55.6% of their three-point shots. Wisconsin’s 9 turnovers were a factor in Baylor taking 7 more shots in the first half. This allowed Baylor to take a 42-29 lead into the break.
Butler was the leading scorer for Baylor in the first with 9 points. Mitchell also added 7 points and 6 assists. Adam Flagler was able to make a three at the buzzer to extend the halftime lead to 13.
Nate Reuvers and Aleem Ford both scored 7 points for Wisconsin in the first half.
Second Half
Wisconsin refused to go away in this game. Whenever they looked to be out of the game, they would make a timely shot. Unfortunately for Wisconsin, they could not keep up with the fast-paced offense of Baylor. Wisconsin was able to clean up the turnovers in the second half, only committing 5 compared to 9 in the first. Baylor was able to take great care of the ball, finishing the game with only 4 turnovers.
Both teams would finish the game 25-55 from the field, good for 45.5%. They would also both hit 8 three-point shots. A huge factor was free throws. Baylor shot 23 free throws; Wisconsin shot only 7. Wisconsin would not be able to come back in this one, falling to Baylor 76-63.
Butler and Mitchell both finished with 16 points for Baylor. Mitchell also dished out 8 assists in the win. Junior guard Matthew Mayer added 17 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.
Reuvers finished with 11 points and 4 rebounds in the loss. Trice finished with 12 points on 5-17 shooting. The loss will bring an end to Wisconsin’s season.
With the win Baylor will advance to the Sweet 16 where they will face 5 seed Villanova.
